Chapter 286: Rustbucket’s lessons
Daubutim stood on the reshaped edge that bordered the underground lake. Whispered voices came from all around him as stoneshapers shaped the rock, and the teleporters brought in more people and woodshapers to work it.
In front of him, a trio of stoneshapers was using their cards to reinforce the platform they had created below the portal. A staircase led up to it, and they were now working to connect it to the ceiling to stabilize the construction. Dozens of guards and rangers stood everywhere, ready in case something dangerous came through the portal.
Footsteps came from behind, and a guard captain stepped up beside him.
"Lord Daubutim, the entrance tower has been created, and Stoneshaper Jahlom and the others are now working on the smaller towers on the edges of the glen. Due to the sheer amount of raw materials, he thinks they could finish within a week."
"Very good. Go to the teleporters and order one to head to Portal Keep. They are to instruct Basil that he needs to prepare things for a new town."
"Right away," the guard captain said, turning around and rushing off.
Daubutim frowned as he looked at the portal.
You have been in there for hours now. Some news would be good!
He remained where he stood for another sixteen minutes when the portal flashed, and a single figure stopped on the stone floor. Nasar seemed only momentarily surprised as he looked around. As soon as he spotted Daubutim, he ran down the stairs.
Daubutim waited where he stood, trying to radiate calm even though he would have preferred running to the man and shaking him for news.
When Nasar reached him, Daubutim scanned him quickly. The man stank so much of smoke and ash he would almost believe he'd been rolling inside a forge. A dark layer of soot covered his sliced-apart leather armor, though he walked fine, and there was little sign of blood.
"Lord Daubutim," Nasar said as he nodded. "Everything is safe on the other side of the portal. Smith… Smith Irwin has cleared out the hive, and Greldo and Itweeg are scouting around to make sure no stragglers made it out."